1st Grade Subtraction Word Problems Worksheet
Subtraction shows up in stories as things being taken away or compared. Solve each story problem and label your answer.
- Homework
- Centers
- Review
- Test Prep
Download the Free Printable PDF
No sign-up required. Clean, low-ink US Letter format.
- Grade
- 1st Grade
- Subject
- Math
- Skill
- Subtraction
- Topic
- subtraction word problems within 20
- Difficulty
- Standard
- Time
- 15 minutes
- Pages
- 2 (incl. answer key)
- Format
- Printable PDF (US Letter)
- Answer key
- Included
- Best for
- homework, centers, review, test prep
Worksheet details
What This Worksheet Practices
Students will solve take-away and compare subtraction word problems within 20 and label answers.
- Solving take-away word problems
- Solving compare word problems (how many more)
- Writing the subtraction sentence
Inside This Printable
Student directions: Read each problem. Write the subtraction sentence, solve it, and label your answer.
Worked example
Mia had 10 stickers. She gave 3 away: 10 - 3 = 7 stickers.
Sample questions
- Mia had 10 stickers. She gave 3 away. How many are left?
- There were 8 cookies. We ate 5. How many are left?
- Ben has 12 crayons. He lost 4. How many now?
The PDF contains 12 practice questions plus 2 challenge questions.
Worksheet Preview
Stories about taking away
Word problems turn subtraction into stories. There are two kinds here: taking away (10 − 3 = 7 left) and comparing (how many more does Tom have?). Both are solved with subtraction.
How to use it
Ask “are we taking away or comparing?” Then write the sentence, solve, and label. Warm up with subtraction within 20 or try harder story problems in grade 2.
👩🏫 Teacher note
Ask 'are we taking away or comparing?' Take-away means subtract the part; compare means subtract to find the difference.
🏠 Parent note
Draw a quick picture if it helps — circles for each object — then cross out what is taken away.
Common Mistakes to Watch For
- Adding instead of subtracting
- Giving a bare number without a label
Answer Key
Each answer shows the subtraction sentence and the labeled result.
⬇ Download Answer Key (PDF)Learn this skill first
Take the free lesson on subtraction — worked examples and practice exercises, then come back to this worksheet.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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Does it come with an answer key?
Yes — a complete answer key is included.
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